Northern Winter Tactics

[Sfritr]

Help Everyone!

I need some advice for winter fishing.  My home lake is getting really tough to fish.  Since late November, the lake has developed a very thick, hard, white substance that is a bear to get through.  No matter how heavy the lures are I toss nothing seems to break through.  Even launching the boat is really tough.  And, you can forget about getting up on plane.  I can't seem to get through to the fish and the water temps are now in the low 30s.  It seems that you could almost walk on the water.  I have noticed a few small holes in the stuff but you have to be really accurate to pitch into them and they are scattered and very few in number.    Crankbaits just seem to dig into the stuff and any jig just sits on top.  At first, a heavy jig would bust through the stuff but as it got colder it seemed to get thicker and less clear.  I cannot even see through it anymore.  I live in Michigan.  It has really put a dent in my bass fishing since November

Any ideas what it may be???????  : :

[roadwarrior]

More evidence of global warming?

:-?

[Sfritr]

Here is a pic that might help everyone   ;D

[simplejoe]

If it's anything like my pond, it's hard to even throw a 1oz. jig through it.

[ring fry]

See if Robby has any of those 16 oz. saltwater weights for sale. ;D

[Minuteman]

Two Words of Advice for your Tackle Box : Flame Thrower

[D4u2s0t]

I've been having the same problem.  I've done some research, but haven't found anything worth posting.  Let me know if you figure it out, it's killing me!

[Team9nine]

Two Words of Advice for your Tackle Box : Flame Thrower

Two more words - jigging Rapala's

They will definitely work through the ice on greenies and put some stretch in your string until things thaw. Buddy and I made half a dozen forays onto the frozen stuff a previous winter for just an hour or two at a time after work and never failed to land a bass to two (up to 7 in an evening).

Was a great way to survive 'mentally' through a long winter. ;D

-T9

[fmoore]

Simple, just go with the flow ;D

[Sfritr]

OMG!!!!  That IS A HAAAWWWG!!!!

NICE !!!!!!

what did you catch her on?

[ww2farmer]

I butted heads with old man winter for many years, since I couldn't beat him..............well you know the saying. Ice fishing is a great way to make winter pass by................I even wish and pry for cold weather now after I put the boat away. In a perfect world the lake would freeze the day after I put it up, and thaw out the day I get her out. At least now insted of waiting 3-4 months to fish again, I usually wait 2-3 weeks for safe ice, and then a week for the ice to melt. I do boat cleaning, reel maint., etc... while waiting for freeze up, and load the boat back up, work on the truck,  while waitng for ice out.

[fmoore]

OMG!!!! That IS A HAAAWWWG!!!!

NICE !!!!!!

what did you catch her on?

Thanks! Caught her on a live shiner. Didn't get a weight...

[Blue Streak]

Park your truck on it. When it falls through it will leave a big enough hole to fish in. Works for me.

[TimJ]

my only northern winter tactic: HEAD SOUTH!

TJ